The ‘Syndrome’ Syndrome

[725 words] The concept of sin has all but disappeared from modem society. We have become quite skilled in justifying our sins. It seems we can always find an excuse or a scapegoat to blame for, and excuse, our bad behavior. One of the most popular ways to do this nowadays is by dismissing our disobedience by blaming an addiction or syndrome of some kind. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition, Revised) lists the following “disorders:” Conduct Disorder: “a persistent pattern of conduct in which the basic rights of others and major age appropriate societal norms or rules are violated.” Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): “a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior.” Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD): “a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking.” Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD): “a pattern of irresponsible and antisocial behavior beginning in childhood or early adolescence and continuing into adulthood.” I…